<p>A good strategy for applicants in your EFC range is to apply to privates that give significant merit aid, where you might be in the top 25% of applicants stat-wise. If they want you, they’re likely to sweeten the pot with merit aid, in addition to whatever need-based aid you might get. It’s unlikely you’ll end up paying less than the EFC, but you’re likely to have some schools where your actual out-of-pocket will be much less than 20K.</p>
<p>You can also consider working summers (maybe 2K) and working part time during school (maybe 2.5K or so). No parent contribution?</p>
<p>Don’t take out 20K per year in loans.</p>